Mother Teresa's Canonization At The Vatican Has Renewed Debate Over Her Legacy In The City

Mother Teresa of Kolkota devoted her whole life to the poor. Half a million people are expected to attend the canonization of Mother Teresa at the Vatican on Sunday. The two hour mass in St. Peter's Square, led by Pope Francis almost 19 years after she died, will transform the diminutive nun who became a global icon for her work with the poor. It will  also reignite deep criticism of the order she founded, the Missionaries of Charity, which according to detractors focused on the elevation, rather than the relief, of suffering.

In the lead-up to Sunday's mass, images of Mother Teresa have been publicly displayed in and around the Vatican, commemorations are planned, including book launches, art shows, a stadium mass and installation of a lifesize bronze statue of Mother Teresa.

As the Catholic Church prepares to canonize her as a saint, the city formerly known as Calcutta is poised for a rare moment in the spotlight.

But not everyone is celebrating.

“She had no significant impact on the poor of this city,” said Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, who served as mayor from 2005 to 2010.

“No doubt there was poverty in Calcutta, but it was never a city of lepers and beggars, as Mother Teresa presented it,” Bhattacharya said.

“She was responsible for creating a negative image of this city. As a Calcuttan I feel totally disgusted by it.”

Pope Francis’ canonization of Mother Teresa in a ceremony at the Vatican on Sunday has renewed a debate over her legacy in the city she made synonymous with suffering and sacrifice.

Until her death in 1997 at the age of 87, Mother Teresa was the Indian government's favorite adopted citizen.It is a great blessing that Calcutta is associated with Mother Teresa,” said Sunita Kumar, an artist and socialite who befriended her and served as an unofficial spokeswoman.

Hindu priest recalled Mother Teresa -- although weakened by a heart ailment in her later years -- as an indomitable presence.

“She would walk through the streets or go around in a wheelchair, speaking with everyone,” said Renu Sarnakar, a bespectacled woman in her 50s.

Mother Teresa often says that suffering brought one closer to God. A decade after her death, the nun then in charge of the home, Sister Glenda, told the local Telegraph newspape, "We don't want modern things."

Source: Theguardian